The Miracles of Jesus: Healing Body and Soul (07/17/'24) -Message

The Miracles of Jesus: Healing Body and Soul Dear Brothers and Sisters, Today, I want to invite you into a moment of reflection, a journey into the depths of our hearts where questions often dwell and faith seeks understanding. Our passage is a powerful one, drawn from the words of Jesus as He speaks to the questioning hearts around Him. "Why do you question in your hearts?" Jesus asks. In this simple yet profound question, we are called to examine the quiet corners of our souls, where doubt and faith wrestle in silence. Jesus confronts us with a challenge: to see beyond the limitations of our human understanding and embrace the boundless possibilities of divine grace. Jesus presents a powerful duality in His words: "Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your pallet and walk'?" This question isn't just rhetorical; it invites us to witness the profound nature of His miracles. The healing of the paralytic is a miracle we can see—a transformation from immobility to motion, from weakness to strength. Yet, there is another miracle, equally profound but unseen: the forgiveness of sins. Imagine the paralytic, bound by his affliction, hearing Jesus' command: "Rise, take up your pallet and walk." Muscles long dormant awaken, bones realign, strength surges through limbs that once knew only weakness. He stands, not just in body, but in spirit—a living testament to the miraculous power of Jesus. But even more remarkable is the inner transformation that occurs with the words, "Your sins are forgiven." Here, the invisible chains of guilt, shame, and past mistakes dissolve, replaced by the lightness of grace. In our own lives, we often focus on the visible miracles, the tangible blessings we can see and touch. Yet, we must remember the equally powerful, if not more significant, miracles that happen within us. The forgiveness of our sins, the healing of our souls, and the peace that surpasses all understanding are miracles that transform us from within. As we ponder these miracles, let us not forget the dual nature of Jesus' healing power. Both the physical and spiritual healings are acts of divine love, inseparable and profound. They remind us that Jesus' love for us encompasses every part of our being—body, mind, and soul. So, let us embrace the questions. Pastor Steven G. Lee (July 17, 2024)